SPORT: Local man helped make Commonwealth Games decision

As manager of the Northern Ireland team Stewart (pictured) travelled to Delhi last Wednesday with fellow senior official Terry Crothers as concerns about the standard of the team accommodation were raised.

On their arrival the Northern Ireland officials spoke with the other home nations, who had already been there for a few days and also spoke with the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) and the CWG Delhi Organising Committee.

They provided an initial report for the chef de mission, Robert McVeigh, stating the initial facilities are 'what is expected at a major, multi-sport, games'.

On Friday evening the committee took the decision to continue as planned to Delhi with team members due to arrive in Delhi today (Tuesday). The NI Commonwealth Games Council said it had been assured the athletes' village would be in suitable condition by the team's arrival on Tuesday.

"Based upon these assurances, the council is pleased to endorse the decision that the team will depart for Delhi as planned," a spokeswoman said.

"There are ongoing concerns regarding the condition of some of the infrastructure, but it is acknowledged that progress has been made over the last few days.

"These developments have allowed our representatives to take up residence within the allotted accommodation block."

Earlier on Friday, Stewart Tosh confirmed that any difficulties they encountered on arrival have since been fixed.

"The main problems here have already been highlighted, there were issues of cleanliness. But we were able to manage those and get to a position today where we are satisfied with what is being provided," he said.

"We are very pleased with the accommodation. We've been working pretty hard over the last couple of days and a lot has been achieved.

"We're at a stage now were we are satisfied with what has been provided and we are certainly very positive about it.

"I'm very pleased to say that we're at a stage where we can recommend to the team that the accommodation is suitable and look forward to them travelling out here."

Mr Tosh said the athlete's village itself was a "very welcoming place".

"There are a lot of facilities here; there are a lot of things the athletes will be able to enjoy when they are here," he said.